Award for Northampton manufacturing firm worker after leading project to make face shields during coronavirus lockdown

A Northampton manufacturing firm worker's determination to make face shields during the coronavirus lockdown has been recognised with an award.

Laura Stavciuc from Igus UK has named the Brackmills Business Improvement District's (BID) first Above and Beyond the Call of Duty award winner of 2020.

The 24-year-old credit co-ordinator lead the Caswell Road factory's production of PPE when supplies were so low at the beginning of the pandemic, on top of her usual work.

“When I heard that the local branch of the National 3D Printing Society was striving to produce PPE, I put myself forward to lead on the project.

"Igus UK pledged its support and I spent as much time as I could on it. We repurposed part of our site to check, prepare and produce hundreds of face shields a day.

“As the UK demand dropped, we realised face shields were still desperately needed in other countries, so we sent thousands to hospitals abroad, including to my home country, Moldova.”

Throughout lockdown, Laura visited the office every day to ensure the production line was running smoothly, even taking work home with her due to the demand.

“I am so glad I had the opportunity to do this. I felt enthusiastic at the start and accomplished by the end," she said.

"Seeing the final result and understanding the real difference we had made in keeping people safe during these times has been fantastic.”

Igus UK moved to Brackmills Industrial Estate in 2006, having previously been based in Daventry and Moulton Park, becoming of the most respected manufacturers and distributors in the country.

The company, which has a team of around 100, remained open during the pandemic to support the economy and help the government by manufacturing PPE, ventilators and other essential medical equipment, managing director Matthew Aldridge said.

"We are rightly proud of this and of the part Laura has played. Thank you to the BID for recognising Laura’s commitment," he added.

The Brackmills BID Above and Beyond the Call of Duty awards are designed to shine the spotlight on committed individuals, talented teams, and innovative companies.

Winners receive, alongside the publicity for their company, a gift voucher to spend on the estate.

BID chairman Sara Homer said: “Congratulations to Laura for winning our first award of 2020.

"She is an exceptionally worthy winner and has truly gone above and beyond the call of duty, which is what our awards are all about.”

To make a nomination for the awards, visit: brackmillsindustrialestate.co.uk/brackmills-awards.